Hey learners,
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026 Notification. This highly awaited examination opens the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). With the release of the notification, candidates can now apply, check updated eligibility rules, and begin preparing for the exam scheduled in April 2026.
| UPSC CDS-I 2026 | Apply Now |
| UPSC CDS-I 2026 Notification | Read Now |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Now |
*All Information Subject to Verification
| UPSC CDS-I 2026: Important Dates | UPSC CDS-I 2026: Application Fees |
|---|---|
| Notification Release: 10 December 2025 Application Start Date: 10 December 2025 Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) Exam Date: 12 April 2026 |
General / OBC: ₹200 SC / ST / Women candidates: No fee |
UPSC CDS-I 2026: Total Vacancies
The CDS notification announces around 451 vacancies (approx.) across different academies. These seats are distributed between IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The detailed break-up is provided in the official PDF.
UPSC CDS-I 2026: Eligibility Criteria
UPSC follows strict eligibility guidelines. Candidates must meet the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugees (settled before 1 January 1962), or
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from select countries with the intention to permanently settle in India.
Educational Qualification
- IMA / OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
- INA: Engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech).
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR Engineering degree.
Age Limit
Approximate age requirements based on academies (please read notification):
| Academy | Age Range |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| INA | 19–24 years |
| AFA | 20–24 years |
| OTA | 19–25 years |
Marital Status
- IMA, INA, AFA: Only unmarried candidates can apply.
- OTA: Both unmarried men and women are eligible.
UPSC CDS-I 2026: Exam Pattern
The written exam structure differs for OTA and other academies.
For IMA, INA, AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hrs |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hrs |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hrs |
| Total | 300 Marks |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hrs |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hrs |
| Total | 200 Marks |
Negative marking: Yes, 1/3rd marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
UPSC CDS-I 2026: Selection Process
The final selection for CDS-I 2026 includes three major stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (intelligence, personality & physical suitability)
- Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear all stages are offered admission to respective academies for training.
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 Notification brings great opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. With the exam scheduled for April 2026, this is the perfect time to start structured preparation. Make sure to read the official notification thoroughly and apply before the last date.